Through this exceptional itinerary, PONANT invites you to discover the Land of the Rising Sun, where the history of the samurai and the daintiness of the geishas exist side by side.

In Maizuru, you will board the Le Lapérouse for a 9-day cruise to the heart of Japan.

When your ship calls at Sakaiminato, you will set off to discover medieval Japan and the ancient dwellings of the samurai, who had lavish homes and castles built.

The Le Lapérouse will then take you to Busan, a warm and welcoming city where you will enjoy a spectacular view of the port. This ancient city full of contrasts presents numerous vestiges that speak of its prestigious past.

We will call at Hiroshima, the gateway to Miyajima, home to the majestic Shinto shrine whose entrance is guarded by a magnificent vermillion Torii listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will also discover the small Japanese city of Tamano, a former feudal domain with a unique cultural heritage. Among its sites, you will be able to admire its famous Korakuen Garden, one of the country’s three must-see landscaped gardens.

You will end your cruise with the discovery of the most Japanese of metropolis, Osaka, a modern, industrial and cultural city that is entirely turned towards the future. This city has been the national centre for trade and industry since the reign of Emperor Nintoku.

LE LAPEROUSE

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Lapérouse will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Port of call & excursions

Maizuru

Located on the western coast of Honshu island, in the province of Kyoto, the charming town of Maizuru boasts one of Japan’s most exquisite closed bays. A climb to the observatory will allow you to appreciate the splendour of this inlet scattered with tiny wild islands. You can also admire the treasures of traditional architecture by visiting the temple of Enryu-ji or the Tanabe-jo castle. The town also bears traces of a rich military past, which you can see in the old arsenals of the navy, red brick buildings that today house a museum.

19 October 2019 – Sakaiminato

Arrival 19/10/2019 at 07H00 . Departure 19/10/2019 at 19H00 .

Located on the south-west coast of Honshu Island, the busy fishing port of Sakaiminato celebrates the comic writer and artist Shigeru Mizuki, who was born here. As well as a museum a dedicated tourist route leads through streets and squares that feature 134 bronze statues representing his beloved characters. This isnﾒt the only thing Sakaiminato has to offer; try some local seafood specialities and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Daisen and the Yumigahama peninsula.

20 October 2019 – Busan (ex Pusan)

Arrival 20/10/2019 at 13H00 . Departure 20/10/2019 at 19H30 .

With around four million inhabitants, Busan is the second largest metropolis on South Korea, after Seoul. This dynamic harbour city, located in the south-east, surrounded by the warm waters of the Sea of Japan, benefits from a mild, pleasant climate. You’ll find delightful simply to stroll around the lively streets and explore the city’s outstanding cultural heritage of art galleries, museums, and Buddhist sites, such as the Haedong Yonggungsa temple, which elegantly sits on the waterfront. Rich too in magnificent beaches and superlative natural landscapes, Busan’s peaceful atmosphere will win you over, as will its inhabitants, whom you’ll have the pleasure of meeting.

21 October 2019 – Sasebo

22 October 2019 – Kagoshima

Arrival 22/10/2019 at 08H30 . Departure 22/10/2019 at 18H30 .

The seaside city of Kagoshima, at the south of Kyushu Island, ﾠis best known for Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces Kinko Bay. A visit to this busy metropolis will remind you just how much the volcano is part of the inhabitantsﾒ everyday life: in the wake of the almost daily eruptions, a delicate layer of ash settles on everything. The top of a buried torii (traditional Japanese gate) measuring three metres that was ﾓswallowed upﾔ by a giant lava flow in 1914 can still be seen. The power of nature will send a shiver down your spine.

23 October 2019 – Uwajima

Arrival 23/10/2019 at 13H00 . Departure 23/10/2019 at 19H30 .

Located on the west coast of Shikoku island, Uwajima will delight lovers of history and traditional customs. The magnificent Uwajima Castle was built in the 17th-century by the powerful Date clan and has a beautiful ornamental garden and bridge. The much-visited Taga Shrine is dedicated to fertility and is full of phalluses. Another interesting tradition is togyu, a Japanese variant of bull-fighting where two bulls are pitted against each other without a toreador. As for eating, you must taste jakoten, a local delicacy based on fried fish.

24 October 2019 – Hiroshima

Arrival 24/10/2019 at 06H30 . Departure 24/10/2019 at 19H00 .

Visiting Hiroshima is a moving experience. The town spreads along Honshu Island, along the inside coasts of Seto. While firmly focused on the future, Hiroshima doesnﾒt forget its past, and a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome is a must. Youﾒll enjoy the city's modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere and effervescent nightlife just as much as the peaceful stillness of its natural parkland areas such as splendid Shukkei-en, the townﾒs historic garden.

25 October 2019 – Tamano, Okayama

Arrival 25/10/2019 at 06H00 . Departure 25/10/2019 at 22H00 .

Located on the island of Honshu, hugging the banks of the Sento Inland Sea, Tamano is a popular destination thanks to its sun-drenched climate. Upon arrival, marvel at the way in which the city has been built along the coast at the foot of a deep, dark forest. In the area surrounding Tamano, stroll down the streets of Kurashiki, known as the 'white-walled city' in a nod to the pretty façades of the houses that line the streets of this ancient Edo-period trading town. Another major regional attraction is the Seto Ohashi bridge. Its 12.5 kilometres make it the world's longest double-decker bridge.

Osaka

Disembarkation 26/10/2019 at 07H00 .

Like its big sister Tokyo, Osaka is the product of ancestral traditions and amazing technological innovations. And despite its size, its location on the Pacific Ocean give it a sense of serenity.ﾠ The main historic landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which stands proud in the midst of majestic skyscrapers. The lively streets of Dotomburi and the bizarre Shinsekai district attract thousands of locals and visitors. A multitude of restaurants offer menus full of regional specialities: takoyaki, made with octopus, and other succulent dishes such as kushikatsu kebabs.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT. Transfer from the airport located in Osaka Bay to Kyoto Okura Hotel, approximately a 2-hour drive.

Check-in your room.

Dinner is on your own.

Day 2 – Kyoto / Maizuru

Morning hotel check-out.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kyoto, ancient imperial city from 794 to 1868. Brimming with historical and religious traditions and being the birthplace of the country’s traditional arts and crafts that have won the admiration of the world, Kyoto occupies a unique position among the great cities of the world.

The tour will take you first to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu’s estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1994. Then, you will visit Ryoanji Temple, a temple famous for its rock garden, perhaps the best dry Japanese garden and certainly a masterpiece by the Zen-inspired artist Soami.

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will be transferred to Maizuru port (approximately a 2-hour drive) to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

Benefiting from its central location the Kyoto Okura Hotel is the highest building in Kyoto. The elegant, sophisticated rooms offer relaxing decor and lighting. You can take advantage of the hotel’s many services including a bakery, souvenir shop, business centre, 7 restaurants and 24h/24h reception.

One lunch (Japanese style) with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of red or white wine + 1 Japanese tea).

Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.

Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

Dinner on Day 1.

Tips for the driver and local guide.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Many steps involved.

Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Almost of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.

Contact for your hotel:

Kyoto Okura Hotel

Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

604-8558- Japan

Telephone number: +81- (0) 75 211 5111

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Kyoto and Nara, former imperial capital cities (3 nights)
15/10/2019

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of three unforgettable days between Kyoto and Nara to discover the ancient imperial capitals. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan, between temples, meditation, Geisha dances and tea ceremony. This programme, rich in experience, will be the perfect prelude to your embarkation.

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT. Transfer from the airport located in Osaka Bay to Kyoto Okura Hotel, approximately a 2-hour drive.

Check-in your room.

Dinner served at your hotel.

Day 2 – Kyoto

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto, which was Japan’s Imperial Capital City for more than 10th centuries, from 794 to 1868. Brimming with historical and religious traditions and being the birthplace of the country’s traditional arts and crafts that have won the admiration of the world, Kyoto occupies a unique position among the great cities of the world.

The tour will take you to Kiyomizu Temple; kiyoi mizu means “pure water” or “spring water”. Kiyomizu Temple is noted for its cliff top Main Hall with a broad wooden veranda affording a panoramic view of Kyoto and environs. The veranda is supported on a towering scaffold of wood. The Main Hall has been designated a National Treasure.

Next, you will take part in Zazen, seated Zen meditation. Zazen is a way of training for monks to obtain enlightenment. It is considered the heart of Zen Buddhist practice. You will sit in the silent room separated from the ordinary life. Also, you will have a chance to experience Japanese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is one of the most representative forms of Japanese beauty, and participating in a ceremony is one of the best ways to come into contact with the Japanese sense of spirituality.

After lunch (western style lunch), you will have time for a stroll. You will then proceed to Nanzenji Temple, located at the foot of Kyoto’s Eastern hills. As head temple of the Rinzai sect’s Nanzenji school of Zen Buddhism it is one of Japan’s most important Zen temples. Nanzenji was first built as an imperial villa in 1264, and became a temple in 1291. Its main building, the Seiryo-den, is famous for a beautiful rock garden and sliding doors decorated by paintings of the Kano school. Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, will be your next stop. Nijo Castle was built by leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, in 1603. Leyasu built the castle as his Kyoto residence. Look at its Ninomaru Palace designated a National Treasure on account of its splendid architecture and magnificent interior decoration. The floorboards of corridors, called « bush warbler boards », creak underfoot.

Transfer back to your hotel for a short break to refresh.

At night, you will be transferred to a dinner venue. Enjoy a Kaiseki dinner which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. Enjoy a Geisha performance during dinner.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Day 3 – Nara

Depart for a sightseeing tour in Nara (approximately 1½hour drive). Located almost at the centre of the Japanese archipelago, Nara prefecture is an inland prefecture surrounded by the four prefectures of Osaka to the West, Kyoto to the North, Wakayama to the South and Mie to the East. Nara occupies an important position in the history of Japan; it is said that the first state was located in Nara.

For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. First you will visit Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshippers. Then, you will have western-style lunch served in a local restaurant. Next, explore Isuien Garden, the only walking garden in Nara, which covers roughly 3.34 acres (1,3 ha), divided into two sections. In its background, you will see Mount Wakakusa and Mount Kagusa. Then, visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. The temple is approached through an imposing gate supported by eighteen 75 feet-high pillars.

Transfer back to your hotel to refresh.

At night, you will be transferred to a dinner venue. Enjoy a Japanese Shabu-shabu dinner served in a local restaurant. For your meal, a pot of boiling water to cook food will be placed on your table. You will dip thin slices of beef and fresh vegetables into a pot of broth several times for few seconds. “Shabu-shabu” is the sound of the meat swished in the broth.

Transfer back to your hotel.

Day 4 – Kyoto/Maizuru

Check-out.

First, the tour will take you to Kinkakuji Temple, or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. It is a temple dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third of the Ashikaga Shoguns, built a retirement estate there in 1398. After his death in 1419, the grounds were turned into a Buddhist temple for the Rinzai sect. The only building to remain standing of Yoshimitsu’s estate was the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories are covered in gold leaf and the roof is topped by a bronze phoenix. It was listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1994. Then, you will visit Ryoanji Temple, a temple famous for its rock garden, perhaps the best dry Japanese garden and certainly a masterpiece by the Zen-inspired artist Soami.

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch served in a local restaurant. After lunch, you will proceed to Arashiyama region, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, and the Tenryuji Temple, founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339. As a temple related to both the Ashikaga family and Emperor Godaigo, the temple is held in high esteem. It was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the « Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto ». The garden created by Muso Soseki, features a circular promenade around Sogen Pond. You may appreciate to stroll along a bamboo path admiring the beauty of the area.

You will then be transferred to Maizuru port (approximately a 2-hour drive) to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

Benefiting from its central location the Kyoto Okura Hotel is the highest building in Kyoto. The elegant, sophisticated rooms offer relaxing decor and lighting. You can take advantage of the hotel’s many services including a bakery, souvenir shop, business centre, 7 restaurants and 24h/24h reception.

The local currency is the yen. We recommend that you bring the amount of money you will need for the trip, or you can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

Kiyomizu temple is undergoing a long-term renovation process that is planned to end in year 2020. Some part of the temple complex might be covered due to the process.

You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).

There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Many steps involved.

Please be aware that a double room with a king size bed is not common in Japan. Almost of the hotels do offer double rooms with twin beds. The double room king size bed is not guaranteed at the hotel.

Contact of your hotel:

Kyoto Okura Hotel

Kawaramachi-Oike, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

604-8558- Japan

Telephone: +81- (0) 75 211 5111

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

After your cruise

Heritage of Osaka
26/10/2019

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between the port of disembarkation and the airport.

Osaka

Disembarkation. Meet and greet your local representative.

You will board the coach for a full day sightseeing tour of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the biggest merchant city in Western Japan.

You will start your exploration with a visit of the Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle was a monumental fortification constructed, upon the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to be the strongest and enclosed by stone walls 7, 5 miles in length. The castle took three and a half years to complete. It played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. It was completely destroyed in 1615. Rebuilt, the castle was struck by lightning and burned to the ground in 1665. Today Osaka Castle’s five-story donjon, constructed of ferroconcrete after the original in 1931, towers 131 ft and affords an extensive view. The donjon displays items relating to the Toyotomi family.

Located directly across the street is Osaka Museum of History. You will visit this museum and learn about the history of the city starting from ancient periods when Osaka was the country’s first capital, until the years of the early Showa Period (early 20th century).

Enjoy a Japanese style lunch in a local restaurant. Following lunch, you will appreciate a stroll in the Dotonbori area, one of the symbols of Osaka used for making movies.

You will then proceed to Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The entire Sumiyoshi Taisha, dating from the third century and rebuilt from the nineteenth century, classified “National Treasure” is dedicated to the four kami gods, of the sea, sea voyage, agriculture, diplomacy and waka poetry. The Empress Jingu (169-269), known for her conquest of Korea, is also worshiped. In the past, sea merchants would stop in Osaka to pray to Sumiyoshi Taisha, before returning to their ships.

After this visit, reach the tallest building in the country, built on March 2014, the Abeno Harukas. Of the 60 floors of the Building, 14 levels are dedicated to shopping, restaurants, art galleries, offices, and a hotel. At the top, there is an observation deck with a 360-degree view of the city (entrance fee included). Enjoy time at leisure to purchase items.

You will then be transferred to Kansai International Airport (a 1-hour transfer) in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

One lunch (Japanese style) with beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of red or white wine + 1 Japanese tea).

Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

Dinner.

Tips for the driver and local guide.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

The local currency is the yen. You can use your credit card to withdraw yen from the cash machines (note that only Japan Post Bank & Seven Eleven machines accept foreign credit cards).

You will have to take off your shoes before entering any of the temples. To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees.)

There will be long walk on unpaved and bumpy roads with some stairs. Many steep steps involved. The Osaka castle is an-8 floor building without any lift.

This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.